Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 21st, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

Max Darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The ice climbing conditions are improving daily with recent cold temperatures.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Temperatures remaining cool, dropping to -25C in the alpine overnight. No precipitation expected for the week. Winds variable and light.

Snowpack Summary

Generally supportive and well settled snowpack above 1700m. Steady southwesterly winds over the past 3 days have produced thin windslabs in the alpine. Dec 3 interface down 60cm appears to be bonding well. Snowpack continues to facet with recent cold temperatures.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed or reported.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Wind Slabs

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The Dec3 interface down 50cm appears to be bonding well, but be sure to evaluate steep and committing features, particularly around treeline.

Carefully evaluate big terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 22nd, 2015 4:00PM